The Democratic Party Civil War Over Mamdani and the DSA Wins
Democrats are openly fighting over a leftward, anti-Israel surge in the party — bad news for the centrist establishment, good news for the DSA wing now riding election wins in New York City.
- After DSA-backed candidates swept New York races, party elders like James Carville and former DNC chair Jamie Harrison called for a split, telling the left to leave or build their own party.
- The fight centers on Gaza and Israel, with the base overwhelmingly critical of Israel while elected leaders stay loyal to donors and AIPAC money.
- Critics smeared progressives like Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander as antisemites, but heavily Jewish NYC districts voted for them anyway.
- Even Joe Scarborough broke ranks, blaming rising antisemitism on Netanyahu's war in Gaza rather than on the left.
- Some moderate House Democrats are so alarmed they are reportedly talking to donors about leaving the party.
Outlook: The party looks set for a deeper reckoning heading into the midterms, with the activist left gaining ground and centrists on the defensive.